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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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1513 results for: City of Seattle

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Image of Line of motorcycle police officers on Fourth Avenue, Seattle, circa 1915
Photograph

Line of motorcycle police officers on Fourth Avenue, Seattle, circa 1915

In early 1910, the Seattle police department invested $1,329 in its first three motorcycles, with seven patrolman selected as the first members of the "motor cops" squad. At the time, speeding fines were paid to King County rather than the city of Seattle, and the city hoped to pass a traffic ordinance which would allow it to keep fines for…
ID Number:1983.10.8632.3
Date:Circa 1915
Image of Street sweeper, circa 1912
Photograph

Street sweeper, circa 1912

Before 1908, when the city of Seattle took over the maintenance of city streets, streets were cleaned (or not cleaned) by local residents and business owners. Manure was a particular problem because most vehicles of the time were pulled by horses and other animals. The city hired people to clean the manure and garbage from the streets. In this photo,…
ID Number:1983.10.8653.1
Date:Circa 1912
Image of Street sweeper at work, Seattle, circa 1910
Photograph

Street sweeper at work, Seattle, circa 1910

Before 1908, when the city of Seattle took over the maintenance of city streets, streets were cleaned (or not cleaned) by local residents and business owners. Manure was a particular problem because most vehicles of the time were pulled by horses and other animals. The city hired people to clean the manure and garbage from the streets. Photographer's Reference Number:…
ID Number:1983.10.8654
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Street sprinkler, circa 1912
Photograph

Street sprinkler, circa 1912

In 1913, Seattle had over 927 miles of streets, of which 179 were paved, 139 were planked with wood, and 609 were dirt. Starting in 1908, the city hired people to keep the streets clean and in good shape.In this photo, taken sometime between 1910 and 1914, a street washer drives his water wagon along a brick-paved street in a…
ID Number:1983.10.8655
Date:Circa 1912
Image of Water tower at Volunteer Park, 1913
Photograph

Water tower at Volunteer Park, 1913

In 1901, Seattle's Water Department built a reservoir at Volunteer Park to supply water to the growing city. The department added a water tower in 1906. Both are built on the highest part of Capitol Hill. The 75-foot tower had an observation level on the top. It was a popular activity for Seattle residents and visitors to climb the tower's…
ID Number:1983.10.8731.1
Date:1913
Image of View looking south from Volunteer Park water tower, Seattle, circa 1913
Photograph

View looking south from Volunteer Park water tower, Seattle, circa 1913

In 1906, the Seattle Water Department built a water tower at the highest point of Capitol Hill. It quickly became a popular place for people to go for a good view of the city. This photo looks south towards 14th Avenue East and East Prospect and shows the George H. Parker residence in the foreground. Handwritten on sleeve: View from…
ID Number:1983.10.8771.1
Date:Circa 1913
Image of View to the east from the Volunteer Park water tower, circa 1913
Photograph

View to the east from the Volunteer Park water tower, circa 1913

In 1906, the Seattle Water Department built a water tower at the highest point of Capitol Hill. It quickly became a popular place for people to go for a good view of the city.This photo, taken around 1913, shows the view over Capitol Hill to the east, towards Lake Washington. Holy Names Academy towers over the neighborhood's houses. Webster &…
ID Number:1983.10.8771.2
Date:Circa 1913
Image of Mayor Hiram C. Gill, circa 1911
Photograph

Mayor Hiram C. Gill, circa 1911

Hiram Gill was one of Seattle's more colorful and controversial mayors. He was elected for the first time in 1910, but was recalled in a 1911 special election. This was because he didn't enforce laws against the city's widespread gampling and prostitution. Washington women had been able to vote since 1910, and their vote was particularly important in putting Gill…
ID Number:1983.10.8878
Date:Circa 1911
Image of View east from Volunteer Park water tower, Seattle, circa 1910
Photograph

View east from Volunteer Park water tower, Seattle, circa 1910

In 1906, the Seattle Water Department built a water tower at the highest point of Capitol Hill. It quickly became a popular place for people to go for a good view of the city. Handwritten on sleeve: Panorama East from Vol. Park Tower.Webster & Stevens number: 16749
ID Number:1983.10.8940.3
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Bear cage at the Woodland Park Zoo, circa 1910
Photograph

Bear cage at the Woodland Park Zoo, circa 1910

In 1899, Seattle bought Woodland Park and its small zoo from the Phinney family. Most of the animals were kept in cages with bars and concrete floors. Visitors could go right up to the cages and feed the animals.This photo shows the Woodland Park bear cage in about 1910. The city had received a gift of two bear cubs that…
ID Number:1983.10.8977
Date:Circa 1910
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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